Issue 253 ▸ 1 November 2012 Reportersharing Stories of Imperial’S Community

Issue 253 ▸ 1 November 2012 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community

fringe benefits Visitors to the first Imperial Fringe take things to heart as they get to grips with our research → centre pages

£35 million Forward london award for thinking bikeathon Imperial Dr Simon Professor Dazzi HEFCE support Schultz on the on cycling 95 for Imperial value of looking miles with his West to the future patient PAGE 3 PAGE 7 PAGE 12 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

Researchers unite to open up about animal research

editor’s corner Imperial has joined medical charities, remain high overall, with 66 per cent research funders, the pharmaceuti- of people supporting animal experi- cal industry and other universities mentation for medical research, Pregnant in signing a declaration for greater 40 per cent want to know more openness on animal research fol- before they form a firm opinion. pause lowing signs of a decrease in public Professor Maggie Dallman, “I hope this declaration will give support for animal research. Principal of the Faculty of Natural organisations and scientists the con- The results of a recent Ipsos Sciences, said: “Animal research fidence to speak out with the support As a number of you might Mori poll commissioned by the is a small but vital part of scientific of the wider research community.” know this is my final government reveal a 10 percentage and medical research in the UK. Ter- The declaration was signed by issue of Reporter before point decrease in public support for rorist activity by animal extremists in more than 40 research organisations, I go on maternity leave. scientific research involving animals the past has led some scientists to including 15 universities. 2012 has definitely been since 2010. fear what will happen to them if they —Kerry Noble, Communications and an eventful time for me Although levels of support speak publicly about their work. Development as Editor – in the future, I’ll be able to tell my daughter that this was the year I interviewed the Kneebone head of NASA, grabbed awarded a quote from an Olympic triathlete who went on Wellcome Trust to win a gold medal the fellowship next day and got to grips for public with the ins and outs A question of synthetic biology. As engagement always, I’ve loved meeting of calibre so many of you to hear Roger Kneebone, Professor about your adventures of Surgical Education (Sur- Let your team members shine both in and out of College. gery and Cancer), has been with a new development I will be leaving you in awarded a prestigious fel- the very capable hands lowship from the Wellcome programme designed to of Andrew Czyzewski, Trust to support his work support and encourage staff whom you can get to promoting public engage- During his fellowship, Professor with disabilities. know a little better in the ment with science and Kneebone will build links Meet the Reader column medicine. between the College’s world- on page 16 of this issue. The Wellcome Trust leading biomedical research and The Calibre Programme seeks to Please do keep sending in Engagement Fellowships a wide range of public engage- empower and increase the confidence all your story suggestions champion and develop ment events and venues, creating of disabled staff in organisations. Skills to him as they help make upcoming stars in public imaginative ways for scientists acquired will be useful for people who Reporter what it is – and engagement with science. and the public to share ideas and may be thinking about career develop- see you when I return! The scheme, now in its sec- influence one another’s thinking. ment or leadership roles. Emily Ross-Joannou, Editor ond year, provides support Professor Kneebone said: for science communicators “This Wellcome Trust Engagement To find out more visit: Cover image: Leon Vanstone (Aeronautics) freezing roses with a strong track record of Fellowship is a fantastic opportu- http://bit.ly/calibre12 with liquid nitrogen at the first delivering high-quality pub- nity to explore my ideas in a wide Imperial Fringe event, which lic engagement and aims range of settings. It will support or contact: took place on 25 October in to propel them to become me in developing as a leader in Leyla Okhai the Main Entrance of the South Kensington Campus. See centre leaders in their field. the field, within the creative set- [email protected] pages for the full feature. Roger Kneebone plans ting of the Wellcome Trust.” to use his fellowship to The Engagement Fellowships Reporter is published every three weeks during term build on his passion for are part of the Wellcome Trust’s time in print and online. The education, and for com- strategic vision of working with next publication day is municating and exploring researchers and the creative 22 November. new ideas. In particular, industries to help societies Contact the Acting Editor: [email protected] he will look at how his field explore and become involved of surgery overlaps with with biomedical science. the worlds of art, perfor- —Adapted from a news release by the mance and craftsmanship. Wellcome Trust 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 >> newsupdate

and the economy, the site is expected to attract innovation Imperial celebrates on businesses to co-locate and Commemoration Day 2012 could offer a base in London to world class higher education On 24 October more than institutions from outside 2,400 Imperial under- the UK. The hub will also graduates gathered at provide high specification, the Royal Albert Hall to multidisciplinary research receive their degrees from space for 1,000 scientists and the College’s President & engineers investigating next Rector, Sir Keith O’Nions. generation materials. Sir Keith O’Nions, Receiving Student President & Rector, said: “The Awards for Outstanding opportunities presented by Achievement on the College receives the Imperial West technology day were Kadhim campus are tremendously Shubber (Physics), Jason Parmar and Marco Crouch £35 million to support exciting. It will bring together (both Chemistry), Nicolas Massie (Medicine), and world class teaching and Charlotte Ivison (Life Sciences), who have all been Imperial West plans research with our cutting nominated by senior members of College staff for their edge translation activities, contribution to student welfare, the College’s outreach Imperial has been awarded education, research and working closely with business, work, and charity. £35 million to support the translation activities, and the NHS and industry. I Imperial also honoured five members of staff who development of its new foster partnerships am delighted received Rector’s Medals at the ceremony. Professor Imperial West technology with global “The opportunities that HEFCE Alan Spivey (Chemistry) and Dr Emma McCoy campus in west London. stakeholders from presented by recognised the (Mathematics) both received Rector’s Medals for The award, funded by the business, industry, the Imperial huge potential Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence. Higher Education Funding higher education West technology with such a Professor Alison McGregor (Surgery and Council for England (HEFCE) and the NHS. campus are substantial Cancer) received a Rector’s Medal for Excellence in through the UK Research Incorporating tremendously award.” Pastoral Care. Partnership Investment Fund 50 new units exciting” Alongside A Rector’s Medal for Excellence in Supporting (UKRPIF), will contribute to for spin-out the award from the Student Experience went to Dr Michael Barrett the development of the cam- companies, the HEFCE – one of (Medicine), whilst Professor Adrian Sutton (Physics) pus’ £150 million research hub will serve the needs the largest awarded from the received the Rector’s Medal for Outstanding Contribu- and translation hub. of London’s enterprise UKRPIF, the new £150 million tion to Teaching Excellence. community, expanding research and translation hub Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, who served Imperial as The 42,000-m2 hub will support for innovation will be funded by a £90 million Chairman of the Court and Council from 2005–11, be the focus of the seven- drawn from Imperial and contribution from investor was awarded an honorary Fellowship, and alumnus acre technology campus on other leading universities. Voreda, with the remainder Jonathan Spatz received an Imperial College Medal the former BBC Woodlands With an emphasis on the funded by the College. for his work with the Imperial College Foundation – site, alongside the A40. commercialisation of research —Simon Watts, Communications a non-profit corporation based in Georgia, USA. and Development It will deliver world class to bring benefits to society —Anthony Wilkinson, Communications and Development

New Trust appointment Spin-outs give back Energy Minister visit Imperial AHSC submits views Imperial College DNA Electronics and Toumaz John Hayes MP, the newly on improving healthcare Healthcare Limited, two companies founded appointed Minister for Imperial College London and NHS Trust has by Professor Chris Toumazou Energy, came to visit Imperial Imperial College Healthcare (EEE), have announced they will be on 22 October to talk to 500

in brief appointed Profes- NHS Trust have produced a joint sor Sir Anthony awarding scholarships to students academics and private organ- response to the NHS consultation Newman Taylor to from overseas who want to study for isations about the future of on the future of healthcare services its board as a non- a MEng degree in the Department energy policy in the UK. Mr in north west London. The shared executive direc- of Bioengineering. The recipients Hayes’ speech focused on views of the College and Trust will tor. Sir Anthony, will be chosen later in the year. how the UK must invest in be considered along with those of who served as Professor Toumazou said: “I am areas like carbon capture and other stakeholders and the public Faculty Principal delighted that DNA Electronics storage to meet its ambitious as part of the Shaping a Healthier from 2010–12, following two years as Dep- and Toumaz are able to support energy targets. President & Future programme, which aims to uty Principal, will also chair the Trust’s Qual- students in this way, which will Rector Sir Keith O’Nions also improve the way that healthcare is ity and Safety Committee. Commenting on the enable young people from overseas gave the Minister a tour of delivered to two million people in appointment, he said: “I am delighted to be to take advantage of the excellent the Department of Chemical the region. joining the board of the Trust at this important education and learning experience Engineering’s carbon capture http://bit.ly/healthierfuture time both for the Trust and the AHSC.” that the College can provide.” pilot plant. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 ? That is what SHE Join our mailing list media mentions said, LOL for regular news alerts: www. —colin smith, Communications and Development imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

HRT gets the all clear Predicting humour be made to preserve as much of the daily mail ▸ 9.10.2012 is difficult, lion’s genetic heritage as possible,” said Susann Bruche (NHLI). researcher warns Taking hormone replacement new scientist ▸ 11.10.2012 therapy (HRT) DNA test today keeps is safe and Text prediction systems in phones, search engines and word wrinkles at bay can protect processors often get things wrong, sometimes hilariously. A evening standard ▸ 17.10.2012 against heart team of researchers in Finland want to harness these predictive disease without text errors to liven up the way humans interact with computer increasing cancer software. The researchers believe that they can write programs A London beauty salon has become risks, reported the Daily Mail. Researchers that mimic this unintentional humour. However, Michael Cook the first in the world to try a new found that women who take HRT at the start (Computing) warned that making computers funny can be fraught 30-minute DNA test that promises to of the menopause for 10 years can reduce with difficulty. “With research on humour, there is always that match cosmetic products to a person’s their risk of heart failure, heart attacks and danger that by analysing it too closely it loses some magic,” he genetic make-up, reported the Evening premature death. Most importantly, the commented to New Scientist. Standard. The simple saliva test, study revealed that there was no extra risk of developed by Imperial researchers, cancer, strokes or blood clots, even 16 years analyses a customer’s DNA to after starting HRT. Dr John Stevenson (NHLI) Lion study the independent ▸ 11.10.2012 determine what active ingredients in said UK authorities should update guidance different beauty lotions will work best that says HRT should be offered only to A pride of captive lions descended from the private menagerie for each person. “Skin has so many women with serious menopausal symptoms of the Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, is genetically distinct genetic mutations,” said Professor for the shortest time possible. “The strength from all other lions in Africa, reported The Independent. The lions Chris Toumazou (Electrical and of the study is its long duration, and have a distinctive dark mane and are slightly smaller and more Electronic Engineering) who invented this shows that HRT, started around the compact than other African lions. It is thought that there may be the technology. “It’s very exciting to menopause, is really pretty safe indeed, less than a few hundred Ethiopian lions living in the wild, and be able to bring this technology direct even for longer-term use,” he said. scientists are urging that their unique genetic makeup should be to consumers and show them how it preserved by a captive-breeding programme. “Every effort should will work.”

awards and between different professional and the law. Professor Barnes honours and academic disciplines and was selected in recognition of organisations. his contributions to international research and teaching in respira- medicine tory medicine. Medicine Customer First Buckle honoured for natural sciences his dedication to health The Faculty Education Office in the Scrapheap challenge and safety Faculty of Medicine has achieved medicine the Customer First accreditation – Barnes elected to An undergraduate from the Professor Peter Buckle, Senior the national standard for customer Academy of Europe Department of Electrical and Research Fellow (Surgery and service. Chris Harris, Quality Electronic Engineering has Cancer), has received one of the Assurance and Enhancement Professor Peter Barnes (NHLI), come third in the Best Electronic Royal Society for the Prevention Manager, said: “There has been pictured, has been elected Engineering Student category of Accidents’ Distinguished Ser- a whole-office commitment a Member of the Academia in the Science, Engineering vice Awards. The safety charity’s to improving our standard of Europaea or the Academy of and Technology Student of the awards are reserved for individu- service to students over the last Europe, whose members include Year Awards. Jonathan Hazell als who make exceptional contri- 12 months and there are now leading European experts from was recognised, at a ceremony butions to society through their customer champions in all of our the physical sciences and tech- at Kensington Town Hall on 26 work in health and safety. Pro- campus offices. We are delighted nology, biological sciences and September 2012, for a working fessor Buckle is an ergonomics this work has been recognised by medicine, mathematics, the let- radar system that he developed expert who is renowned for his the Customer First assessor.” ters and humanities, social and from a heap of hi-tech junk. abilities to promote collaboration cognitive sciences, economics 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 >> scienceroundup

By zooming in on each Now OneZoom, which was sub-group of organisms, partly inspired by the zooming more details are revealed. This example shows the technology of mapping software mammals, with coloured such as Google Maps, makes it leaves indicating how endangered each possible to start with a broad view species is. of life on Earth, then zoom in on any point to explore incrementally smaller categories of life, using intuitive mouse actions. Dr James Rosindell (Life Sciences) developed OneZoom in Increase in hospital collaboration with Dr Luke Harmon admissions for from the University of Idaho. “One- Zoom gives you a natural way to throat infections explore large amounts of complex information like the tree of The number of children admitted to life,” he explained. “It’s intuitive hospital in England for acute throat because it’s similar to the way we infections increased by 76 per cent explore the real world; by moving between 1999 and 2010, according to towards interesting objects to see research published on 19 October in them in more detail.” Archives of Disease in Childhood. “We’re still looking at data on the screen in ways that can easily Acute throat infection (ATI), which be printed on paper and that’s a includes acute tonsillitis and acute serious visual constraint. But it’s pharyngitis, is one of the most com- Tree of life branches out no longer necessary to restrict our- mon reasons for consulting a GP. The selves because we mostly view the majority of ATIs are self-limiting and Exploring the evolutionary tree of important details about the information on screen only. One- can be managed at home or by the GP, life is now as easy as navigating an many known living organisms Zoom embraces this by laying out but a small proportion may require online map, thanks to a new inter- and how they are related to one the data in an exciting, interactive hospital admission. active website called OneZoom™, another. Even relatively simple way that could not be captured on The research, which was funded by which went live on 16 October. trees have been extremely printed sheets,” Dr Rosindell said. a fellowship from the National Institute challenging to visualise without —Simon Levey, Communications for Health Research, showed that the Since Darwin, biologists have huge sheets of paper or multiple and Development number of children admitted to hos- struggled to draw a tree showing computer screens. pital with ATI increased from 12,283 in 1999 to 22,071 in 2010 – a rise in admission rate of 76 per cent. Short hospital stays, lasting less than two days, increased by 115 per cent over the decade, and accounted for the First footage of West African seahorse majority of admissions. Dr Elizabeth Koshy (Public Health), Researchers have African seahorses has risen dramatically over the past who led the study, said: “It is very con- released the first-ever few years, with exports of about 600,000 annually. cerning that there has been a major footage of a little- They are used primarily in traditional Chinese medicine. increase in hospital admissions for chil- studied seahorse “The West African seahorse is one of two native dren with acute throat infections, par- species with video species caught locally for trade around the world,” ticularly among those aged under five. captured off the Ms West explains. “But it’s shocking that so little is We think this is likely to be due to prob- coast of Senegal by known about this fish when more than a tonne of lems at the primary and secondary care MSc in Conservation them are officially exported each year. Poor diving interface. Our findings relating to short Science student, Kate West (Life Sciences). conditions and underwater visibility make it more hospital stays suggest that many of the difficult to conduct field studies off the West African children admitted with acute throat Ms West captured the footage whilst travelling on a coast than in other areas where seahorses are infections could have been effectively Senegalese fishing boat. She was filming seahorses found. No research has been done on this species, managed in the community. Our study in the wild, and speaking to local people about their and nothing is known about its habitat, life cycle or highlights the need to urgently address interactions with these unusual species of fish, as population status, which is why this study is so vital the issue of healthcare access, with part of an investigation into West Africa’s burgeoning for their conservation.” improved models of integrated care seahorse trade. “Our findings will be shared with theSenegalese within primary and secondary care, to The study is being carried out by scientists at and other governments, so they can meet their avoid potentially unnecessary hospital the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Project obligations to ensure that the seahorse trade is sus- admissions for relatively minor infec- Seahorse, Imperial College London, and the tainable,” adds Chris Ransom, West and North Africa tions in the future.” University of British Columbia, Canada. Programme Manager at ZSL. —Sam Wong, Communications and Development Research to date indicates that trade in West —Simon Levey, Communications and Development 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

New opportunity for rapid Test developed to detect early- treatment of malaria stage diseases with naked eye Imperial researchers have identified a new means to eradicate malaria infections by rapidly killing the blood- Scientists from Imperial have developed borne Plasmodium parasites that cause the disease. a prototype ultra-sensitive sensor that would enable doctors to detect the Malaria causes up to three million deaths each year, pre- early stages of diseases and viruses dominantly afflicting vulnerable people, such as children with the naked eye, according to under five and pregnant women, in tropical regions of research published in the journal Nature Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Nanotechnology on 25 October. Treatments are available for this disease, but the Plasmodium parasite is fast becoming resistant to the The team, from the Departments of most common drugs, and health authorities say they Bioengineering and Materials, report desperately need new strategies to tackle the disease. that their visual sensor technology is This new potential treatment uses molecules that 10 times more sensitive than the current The technology is extremely sensitive and interfere with an important stage of the parasite’s growth gold standard methods for measuring inexpensive, making it an ideal disease cycle and harnesses this effect to kill them. The impact detector in poorer countries where resources biomarkers. These indicate the onset of is so acute it kills 90 per cent of the parasites in just are scarce. diseases such as prostate cancer and three hours and all those tested in laboratory samples of infection by viruses including HIV. infected human blood cells within 12 hours. The researchers say their sen- The research was carried out by chemists at Imperial sor would benefit countries where sophisticated detection equipment is scarce, and biological scientists from the research institu- enabling cheaper and simpler detection and treatments for patients. tions Institut Pasteur and CNRS in France. Their work Professor Molly Stevens, (Materials and Bioengineering), said: “It is vital that is published in the journal Proceedings of the National patients get periodically tested in order to assess the success of retroviral thera- Academy of Sciences (PNAS). pies and check for new cases of infection. Unfortunately, the existing gold stand- Lead researcher Dr Matthew Fuchter (Chemistry) ard detection methods can be too expensive to be implemented in parts of the said: “Plasmodium falciparum causes 90 per cent world where resources are scarce. Our approach affords for improved sensitivity, of malaria deaths, and its ability to resist current does not require sophisticated instrumentation and it is 10 times cheaper, which therapies is spreading dramatically. Whilst many new could allow more tests to be performed for better screening of many diseases.” drugs are in development, a significant proportion are Dr Roberto de la Rica, co-author of the study (Materials), added: “We have minor alterations, working in the same way as current developed a test that we hope will enable previously undetectable HIV infec- ones and therefore may only be effective in the short tions and indicators of cancer to be picked up, which would mean people could term. We believe we may have identified the parasite’s be treated sooner. We also believe that this test could be significantly cheaper to ‘Achilles’ heel’, using a molecule that disrupts many vital administer, which could pave the way for more widespread use of HIV testing in processes for its survival and development.” poorer parts of the world.” —Simon Levey, Communications and Development –Colin Smith, Communications and Development

It’s life, but not as we knew it

There may be many times for recording biodiversity, to be seen without a more animal species than which is often used as an microscope. The group, previously estimated, after indicator for the health of whose research was a new study identified more an ecosystem or the wider published in Proceedings reliable ways to predict bio- environment. of the National Academy diversity across the planet. The previous studies of Sciences (PNAS) on 2 within the field had used October, also recommend Professor Timothy variations of a particu- that future studies use Barraclough (Life lar gene – rDNA 18S – as their system instead of the Sciences) and his former a marker to estimate the past practice. Imperial colleague Dr range of species. “Previous studies species exist,” said PhD sediments. Switching from Diego Fontaneto were The new method uses appear to underestimate student Cuong Tang (Life the previously used method among a multinational a number of biological the diversity of life. Our Sciences), who conducted to this alternative DNA bar- team that has proposed a characteristics to identify approach uses a differ- the research. code could lead to far higher new way to measure the species and has proved to ent type of DNA barcode, The results of the study estimates of diversity than number of species of tiny be successful in classifying which is not only more apply especially to efforts previously estimated. creatures. The outcomes different animals, many accurate but also suggests attempting to record diver- —Michael Jones, Communications of the research are vital of which are too small that far greater numbers of sity in the world’s soils and and Development 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 >> featurefocus

more closely with each other; and For my part, it was also not just with a focus on today’s fascinating to first look back and core business activities. consider how things have changed Whilst there is growing since I wrote my doctoral thesis insecurity about the research in the area of computational funding available through more neuroscience and to then look traditional channels, the amount forward and imagine what my of corporate research funding current PhD students will be available is on the increase, as is working on when they reach my the recognition that universities stage in their careers. We made are vitally important to industry. no explicit predictions, but there It is clear that in the near future, was real value in taking that industry’s contributions will time to stop and consider the be ever more important to the consequences of my research research done at academic and to reflect on what kinds of institutions like Imperial – not only new research might be possible in the form of research funding, but in the future, given developments also in the less tangible benefits in technology to come. Moreover, that a close it was thought relationship with provoking the outside world The need to to discover, can bring to look to the future through a university. speaking on Take the is one which we all the day with Tech Foresight feel; academics, other academic conference as business people, ‘Foresighters’, an example: that some of universities, society” Developing academics and the changes I business people see in my field coming together of research to consider where we might be in – the decline of the role of ‘big foresight 20 years’ time, through interactive pharma’ and the rise of smaller sessions which culminated in the neurotechnology companies, for creation of a timeline to the future example – are trends felt by people Dr Simon Schultz, Senior “Earlier this year, I stood in front and in three scenarios, focused on across the board. of an audience of corporate R&D technological developments and The need to look to the future Lecturer (Bioengineering) directors and suggested that in the the societal conditions that could – not to predict where we will be discusses the future of future their brains could be eaten affect the way we adopt these new in 20 years but to consider a broad by cannibals ... on Hampstead technologies. range of possible scenarios – is academic collaboration Heath. Career suicide? No, The hazards of looking into one which we all feel; academics, exactly the opposite, in fact. I was the future and trying to say business people, universities, with industry. speaking at Imperial’s 2032: Tech something meaningful can be society. H.G. Wells, an alumnus Foresight conference – a unique easily imagined – its rewards were of the Royal College of Science experiment to bring academics a surprise though. The benefits (now part of Imperial), wrote an and industry together to explore for the corporate attendees were essay in 1932, in which he called the unintended effects that the clear; a glimpse of the kind of for experts who would consider research I’m doing in my lab right research happening at Imperial the consequences of the changes now might have in the future (and, that could truly overturn the world going on in the world around them. I hasten to add, the cannibals were in which they do business. We He titled it Wanted: Professors of a worst-case societal modelling discussed technologies which Foresight! and I think he might scenario, not an expected could, in the future, pose all kinds have been onto something.” outcome). of opportunities – and dilemmas Next year’s conference will be held I am director of the – for industry; for instance, on 10 May 2013 and the hunt is on for Neural Coding Laboratory in brain computer interfaces are ‘Professors of Foresight’. If you are Bioengineering, where my research likely to offer many improved interested in learning more please on the brain circuitry underlying ways for workers to interact with email Eleanor Harding: [email protected]. perception and cognition doesn’t information. However, might at first seem like work which they also offer more dubious would grab the attention of temptations; by allowing corporate research funders. Yet businesses to monitor – and it is increasingly important that dictate – an employee’s work ethic, industry and universities work for example? 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

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Spooky science

Smoking marshmallows, Last May, the Imperial Festival “We really wanted to tap into the to liquid nitrogen temperature opened the College to thousands of growing appetite for hands-on, (-210 °C) where physical decay a vibrant heart muscle and members of the public for the first science-related evening events that essentially stops. Leon used cobwebs galore – welcome time and the subsequent evaluation young people are flooding to across his experiment to tackle the revealed there was a huge appetite London,” she says. Halloween-appropriate topic of to the Science Behind in the College to repeat this type of apocalypse; more specifically, event on a more regular basis. Cryogenics and the ‘When the world is over, what can Our Fears event, held in “Imperial Fringe aims to end of the world humans do next?’ One of the ideas the Main Entrance on provide staff and students with is to use cryogenics to freeze and a more informal platform to dis- One of the most dramatic stalls and transport people to a new star 25 October. Reporter finds cuss their work and to encourage of the evening was run by PhD thousands of light years away to more members of the community student Leon Van- ensure the survival of out more about the first of to give public engagement a try,” stone (Aeronautics), “I really enjoy the human race. the Imperial Fringe events, explains Natasha Martineau, Head who was based on a speaking to the Leon explained of Research Communications (Com- tricycle with a white public about the to visitors that the which will provide staff and munications and Development). umbrella, decorated kind of things we technology for Over the next six months the with small black cryogenics isn’t yet students with opportunities do in the lab, and College will be holding Fringe skeleton heads. sometimes using possible because the to try out public engagement events most months, drawing There, he demon- crazy analogies” effect of freezing on together research from across the strated to staff, stu- people’s internal mem- throughout the year. College on topical themes, such dents and members branes is not known. as bones, or timely issues like last of the public how to freeze and “I love doing live experiments and week’s on Halloween. smash roses using liquid nitrogen, talking about the ethical questions The Science Behind Our Fears in order to explore the subject of of our research with members of event drew in around 350 visitors cryogenics. Leon also fed visitors the public,” says Leon. many of whom were young people. freshly iced marshmallows, which Leon regularly gets involved in Events Officer Harriet Martin smoked when you crunched them. public engagement activities at the (Communications and Development) Cryogenics is the concept Natural History Museum, as well was really pleased with the turnout. of cooling legally-dead people as helping out with homework 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 >> featurefocus

outbreaks. Deirdre explains the theory of the simulation: “Zombies are infectious when they are symptomatic – you can easily spot a zombie. So if you can isolate everyone who looks like a zombie you can control a zombie outbreak.” Wes goes on to explain how werewolves have seasonal behaviour in that at certain times of the year, they make more ‘contacts’ than at other times. This 3 behaviour is comparable to influenza, which people in the UK most commonly catch in autumn, perhaps due to the social effects of the previous school holidays, or to the change in weather. In addition to showing visitors the computer model, Deirdre also concocted a simulated epidemic at the event – getting volunteers to infect unsuspecting visitors with ‘infection cards’. Those infected had to go up to the stall where their ageband and the

Exhibiting at the Fringe time was fed into a computer, with real-time 1 Leon Vanstone (Aeronautics) data analysis projected onto the wall. They 2 Matt Tranter (NHLI) were then invited to roll a dice and then infect 3 Dr Wes Hinsley (Public Health) that number of other people to propagate the epidemic. “By the end of the event we had 136 cases, mainly in 20–30 year olds” Both Deirdre and Wes hope the exercise will help people gain more of an understanding about media coverage of clubs via the Outreach office at Imperial. “I really this before, Pete had volunteered at the Imperial epidemics. “When the swine flu epidemic hit, enjoy speaking to the public about the kind of Festival in May, where he talked to the public about there was a lot written in the media about it, things we do in the lab, and sometimes using crazy cardiac stem cells. “These type of events take you but there wasn’t much about the dynamics analogies to help show that complicated scientific out of the narrowly focused mindset of the lab and of outbreaks,” says Deirdre. “I hope from our theories are often quite simple.” remind you how exciting what you are doing really demos that people will gain an awareness Educated at a state school, Leon thinks outreach is,” he explains. He recalls being asked some very that there are scientists who model outbreaks work like this is particularly important. “I want to bizarre questions, such as, “can we eat muscle and carefully consider the effectiveness show school pupils that there is no reason why any grown from stem cells” and “is it a good food to of interventions based on the likely of them couldn’t do a degree at Imperial – there is no take to space?” characteristics of the disease.” mystery to it – you just need an interest in the world “These type of events Continuing with the zombie and be prepared to work hard.” Modelling a zombie outbreak take you out of the theme, visitors to the event also narrowly focused had the chance to enjoy talks by Can you die from fright? The most contagious stall of the mindset of the lab Frank Swain, science writer and event was run by Junior Research and remind you how broadcaster, who is currently writ- Brandishing a real pig heart procured from the Fellow Dr Deirdre Hollingsworth and exciting what you are ing How to make a Zombie: the local butcher, research postgraduates Pete Wright Dr Wes Hinsley (both Public Health). doing really is” real life (and death) of science and Matt Tranter (NHLI) drew visitors to their stall Deirdre’s role at Imperial is to build reanimation and mind control. where they discussed whether it is possible to ‘die computer models of how infectious Stephen Roberts, Acting Head from fright’. “People are well aware of the dangers diseases are transmitted, to help inform of Face-to-Face Learning at the Natural History of heart attacks,” says Pete, “but in our industrial- policy during an outbreak such as the swine flu Museum, was one of the many visitors to ised society, the average person is so far removed epidemic in 2009. Wes provides high performance enjoy the first Fringe event. “It was a delight from the visceral that we wanted to give them computing support for academics and, as a to see so many enthusiastic conversations the chance to actually feel the myocardium – the postdoctoral researcher at Imperial, developed taking place and such a vibrant atmosphere,” muscular tissue of the heart – and, in my opinion, some computer modelling software called the Global he says. “These Thursday nights will be the most amazing material in the universe!” Epidemic Simulator. another excellent addition to the increasingly Pete and Matt both work in Professor Sian At the event, the team used a greatly simplified rich cultural landscape that we all enjoy on Harding’s group, with Pete using microscopy to interactive version of the global simulator to and around Exhibition Road – I am looking consider how receptors in the heart are affected show the behaviour of an infectious outbreak forward to the next one.” by stress and Matt looking at menopausal women of Halloween-esque figures such as zombies, –Emily Ross-Joannou, Communications and Development who have suffered from cardiac arrest following werewolves, witches and vampires. The specific Pop along to the next Fringe event, stressful scenarios. characteristics of a disease, along with people’s Cutting close to the bone, on 29 November Although Matt had never had any experience of mobility and any intervention policies applied, 17.30–21.00 in the Main Entrance. being involved in a public engagement activity like are key factors in predicting the spread of real

10 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

Keeping research afloat

PhD Student Peter Wright (NHLI) writes intimidation of employees. about a petition he is organising to Somewhat understandably these inside protect transportation of animals for companies have bowed to this pres- medical research. sure and ceased to handle animals for research. The use of specialist couri- “As a PhD student at the National ers will make the process of research story Heart and Lung Institute I conduct slower and more expensive. research into heart failure using ani- Animal rights groups have exerted mal models. Animal experimentation undemocratic pressure on the UK is a central pillar of modern medical research community and the wider mini profile research. Every Nobel Prize awarded economy. Their moral arguments, which for Physiology or Medicine over the last they often support withpseudoscience, 40 years (save for one continue to convince a Xiaodong in plant science) has sizeable segment been informed by ani- Animal of the population. It is Zhang mal work. experimentation is time for universities and Yet there are researchers to present Reporter speaks to Professor individuals and groups a central pillar of the true scientific argu- Xiaodong Zhang (Life Sciences), who claim in vivo modern medical ment for in vivo research. Director of the Centre for research is devoid of research” For this reason Structural Biology (CSB) at scientific value. Some I’m petitioning the the College, about receiv- are well-funded chari- Government to persuade ing a Wellcome Trust Senior ties and all claim to represent the these organisations to resume transport Investigator Award. majority of the public. of animals for medical research. The Recently they have caused huge government should then protect the How did you feel when disruption for the scientific commu- legitimate right of these companies to you heard you had won nity. Ferry companies and airlines do so. the award? What will you use this award have stopped essential transportation You can sign the e-petition Protect It felt very surreal. The award to investigate? of animals destined for UK research transportation of animals for medical gives me a lot of freedom to One thing I want to look at is labs. This is in response to concerted research at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/ explore things that I probably the detection of DNA damage lobbying and, in the worst cases, petitions/40111. couldn’t have done before and using cell biology and biochem- provides financial security for ical techniques. Such damage my group for the next five years. sends signals that trigger a cascade of cellular events that science from scratch What is your main eventually lead field of research? to action by As explained by Laurence Pope, MSc Science Communication I study the repair The award the cell. process of DNA gives me a lot which has been What are of freedom to damaged by toxic your hopes The hygiene chemicals, such as explore things for your smoke or drugs. that I probably research in the future? hypothesis How is the couldn’t have I want to be funding going to done before” the major Cleanliness isn’t always next to godliness; it’s actually possible to be too clean. benefit the CSB? contributor The hygiene hypothesis states that a child growing up in an overly clean environ- In fact, this award in dissecting ment is left more susceptible to allergy development in later life. Allergic reactions is personal. However, what I am the DNA pathway at the atomic occur when the body’s immune system overreacts and generates an inappropriate doing is part of the Centre’s mis- level. If we understand that, response to a harmless substance, such as pollen in hayfever. The effects of over- sion as well. The CSB has been in principle it could help us reaction to pollen can range from a slightly runny nose to constriction of the air- awarded the Wellcome Trust understand cancer development ways and suffocation. By existing in an increasingly clean environment, a result of multi-user equipment grant, and devise novel treatments twenty-first century hygiene and healthcare improvements, a greater number of chil- which allows us to update our for patients. dren aren’t sufficiently exposed to various infectious agents or parasites. Without major facilities. As the direc- –Kelvin Tang, work experience in exposure to such minor infectious agents, immune system development is skewed tor, my goals are to achieve Communications and Development and the child fails to develop a well-balanced immune system. The hygiene hypoth- even higher quality of research esis was put forward in 1989 in the British Medical Journal, as a way to explain why in structural biology and to pro- children in large families developed fewer allergies compared with only children – mote collaboration between in large families infectious agents are more likely to spread from child to child. In scientists. short, send your kids outside – mud and dirt really are good for you! 11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 insidestory

Politicians of the future

Described by United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-Moon as an “exercise that gives students a full taste of the complexity of international relations”, the London International Model United Nations conference (LIMUN) is coming to Imperial from 15–17 February 2013. Meeting the royals Franca Hoffmann (MSci Mathematics with a Year in Europe) is on the LIMUN press team and she went along to the in Malaysia launch of the event on 18 October. She tells us about her experiences. “London International Model Dr Rob Ewers (Life Sciences) is the lead scientist in carbon emissions, water quality and disease United Nations is an independent char- of the Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems vectors, like mosquitoes. ity which aims to extend cultural empa- (SAFE) project – one of the world’s largest Kate and William were highly intelligent and thy, understanding of international ecological experiments – based in Sabah, very personable. William said he appreciated affairs, and knowledge of the United Malaysia. The study is designed to understand the pragmatic approach we take and that it’s Nations amongst young people through how forest ecosystems are affected by human important to avoid extreme positions. SAFE’s the organisation of an annual Model pressure, and examines what happens when project philosophy is to accept that industry United Nations (MUN) conference. a forest is logged and then fragmented. Rob has pressures and cannot simply ignore them to “In an era when challenges spill reports on what happened when the project improve conservation. We work in collaboration over borders and have global reach, received a visit from the Duke and Duchess of with industry to improve the impacts of agricul- our future depends on how well we Cambridge this summer. ture on forest ecosystems, as opposed to lock- work together. I spoke to Philippe ing horns with them in battles over conservation Rival, President of the Imperial College “I was visiting Malaysia to check on the issues. Kate was interested in how the project MUN society about how LIMUN can progress of the project in July and heard that linked with other studies around the world. I’d help reach this goal.” we were going to receive a visit from the royal like to think they were impressed with what we He said, “These conferences bring couple. They were visiting the Danum Valley were doing.” together the best and brightest debat- conservation area, which is located nearby and For more on the SAFE project visit: www.safeproject.net ers, speakers and inspirational figures operated by the Royal Society Southeast Asia in the global student community for a Rainforest Research Programme, an important three-day discussion about world news partner for the SAFE project. and current affairs. The Duke and Duchess flew to Danum by speak out “Students should be interested in helicopter, taking a tour over the SAFE project MUN, because scientists, engineers, site. Then they visited Danum Valley, where we doctors all share the common trait that met in a room in which shoes aren’t allowed, Story ideas? their work revolves around finding a which I wasn’t expecting – I was wearing odd solution to a problem using knowledge socks but I don’t think they noticed! We welcome contributions from across the College. and reasoning. People from Imperial I was leading one of the research groups The next publication day is 22 November. Reporter is published every three weeks during term time in print know what it means to go and find they spoke to, along with my wife Dr Cristina and online at www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter an answer, and they even go to such Banks-Leite (a newly appointed lecturer at lengths as to give up their night’s sleep Imperial), and we discussed aspects of SAFE, Contact the Editor: on such problems.” for example, how we were investigating the [email protected] +44 (0)20 7594 6715 responses of more than 3,000 species to www.limun.org.uk human pressures, as well as tracking changes 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

Patient-doctor cycle team blaze Olympic route Francesco Dazzi, Clinical Professor of Stem Cell Biology (Medicine), pictured right, completed the LLR bikeathon on 16 September in support of the Leukaemia Lymphoma Research charity. Fuelling up “I am one of the consultant Serving up healthy salads, pies and other energy-packed items, there’s haematologists running the bone a new catering outlet on the South Kensington Campus aptly named marrow transplantation programme at Hammersmith Campus. One of the Fuel. Reporter spoke to Jemma Morris (Commercial Services) about the worst complications of this procedure is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) new eatery. which can be lethal or produce life-long problems. A couple of months ago in my clinic I was seeing Valeri Stoitchkov, a patient affected by severe chronic “Our new outlet Fuel, which replaces the bookstore on the walkway, offers GvHD. Valeri’s skin and muscles are stiff as a result of the disease but he a fresh approach to grab-and-go style eating, and the self-service salad bar has not lost enthusiasm for life. He cycles to work every day and this is what is designed to offer more healthy options to staff and students. softens his movements and gives him energy. Knowing that I like cycling – I regularly put my life at risk mountain biking – he asked me whether I would Here are my top five fun facts about Fuel: cycle with him in the LLR bikeathon, this year along the Olympic route. The • ONE warming soup and ONE homemade stew is available each day distance was much longer than I usually ride and I was still bearing the • Fuel sells TWO flavours of award winning Pieminster pies daily consequences of a recent shoulder injury. But I felt immediately compelled by • The team had just THREE weeks to prepare for its first customers – his example and by the fact that my research is actually focused on GvHD. We from initial concept to opening managed to cover about 95 miles and, believe me, especially for Valeri, this • FOUR friendly team members are waiting to help you was gruesome. But it was a great lesson for all who work in the field. It took • Fuel sells freshly made smoothies and superfood salads – great for a while; you can guess what six hours in the saddle means. We have raised stocking up on your FIVE a day” £3,900 so far and money is still coming in.”

Fuel is open from 11.00–15.00 Monday to Friday. To support Francesco and Valeri visit: www.justigiving.com/Francesco-Dazzi www.imperial.ac.uk/eatinganddrinking

TIME OUT starkest disparity in the Department of Aeronautics, where males outnumbered females by almost five to one. Enter the Women in SET Women Society, one of whose aims Highlights is to encourage the next generation of talented females to • Meeting times: in SET take up SET subjects at univer- Once a week sity, which they do by inviting • Society size: Try this experiment; close your eyes, London schoolgirls to campus Currently 62 members and imagine a scientist. Now think for an annual open day. Above: Female (both male and female) school pupils on about the individual who sprang to Laura Johnston (Mathe- campus for the • Experience required: mind… were they male or female? matics) explains: “The objec- Women in SET None Perhaps inadvertently, most of us tive is to provide the young open day. • More information: Left: Members would have had a male figure in girls with role models. It’s www.union.ic.ac.uk/ of the society. mind, and it’s exactly this stereotype humbling to see how well the scc/women_in_set the Imperial College Women in SET girls engage with us; it makes me (Science, Engineering and Technol- feel like I’ve done my bit for the next gen- Bloomsbury publishing house and the ogy) Society aims to challenge. eration of female scientists!” IT consultancy firm, Thoughtworks. SET areas tend to be male- The society also tries to equip female She says: “The events are hands- dominated in academia as well as students at Imperial with the skills they on and can have a direct impact – lots in the private sector and, here at need to forge successful careers. Fourth of girls who attended got internships as Imperial, the picture’s no differ- year student Veronica Gouvea (Chemistry) a result. For us, it’s about supporting ent. In the 2011–12 academic year, is most proud of career-focused events women in whatever career they choose male students outnumbered females like last year’s panel discussion Women and helping them grow in confidence.” by two to one on average, with the in Industry, involving representatives from —jessica adams, Communications and development 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253 insidestory

inventor’s corner Modelling gene networks

Rob Krams is Professor of they display no symptoms, so we Molecular Bioengineering at want to avoid using unnecessary, Imperial. His research group invasive diagnostic tools such is using synthetic biology – as catheters. We are collaborat- the field of identifying and ing with several departments to PA Away Day synthesising gene networks develop non-invasive molecu- in cells – to develop better lar imaging tools and using MRI Personal Assistant, Mrs Charlotte Beard (Capital Projects diagnostic tools for patients contrast material as a diagnostic and Planning), reports on her experience of attending the PA suffering from ‘vulnerable agent to identify molecules sitting Away Day over the summer. The PA Networking Group offers atherosclerotic plaques’; in the plaque. We also use com- development, support and networking opportunities for unstable lesions that form in puting methods to identify net- Imperial staff who perform a PA type function. the blood vessels of advanced works of genes in atherosclerotic atherosclerotic patients. subjects and build these networks What was the aim of the event? into the cells of mice, enabling The aim of the event was to strengthen the PA Network and What is atherosclerosis and us to evaluate how vulnerable consider our individual development needs. why have you targeted it? plaques can be prevented. It is a disease in which plaque What did you learn? builds up inside arteries. One third How can this be developed We looked at approaches to ‘working smarter’ and thinking of patients with advanced athero- for therapeutic purposes? about the way we are perceived by others. We also looked at sclerosis die in the UK and Europe We want to study isolated athero- the seven ‘Imperial Expectations’ – a set of statements which and 70 per cent of these patients sclerotic gene networks, transfer articulate how the College expects its leaders, managers have an advanced vulnerable these into mouse tissue and study and supervisors to behave, such as championing ‘a positive plaque. The plaques sit in the ves- whether the mice become better approach to change and opportunity’. All seven of the state- sels and upon physical exertion, protected against atherosclerosis. ments are equally important and relevant to our roles. the blood pressure rises, which If we can recognise a gene network ruptures this plaque and leads that is specific to a targeted mol- What element of the day did you find the most helpful? to abrupt closure of your vessels. ecule then we can develop new I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know colleagues, This can lead to brain damage and specialised drug treatment. This especially those whose names I recognised from emails, but heart attacks. is far more effective than statins had never met. Even during breaks we were discussing where – the drugs used to currently treat we work in the College and other factors affecting our roles. How are you approaching atherosclerosis – which affect the The network is a great resource for anyone in an administra- this problem? whole vascular system and carry tive support role, whether ‘PA’ is in your job title or not. We cannot be sure if an athero- significant side effects. If you are interested in joining the PA Network, please contact: sclerotic patient has a plaque as –Kailey Nolan, Imperial Innovations [email protected]

vox poP Graduating students share their thoughts on the big day

Reporter caught up “You work around “I worked very hard “My highlight has with some students the Royal Albert Hall and now I’ve got to be the Olympics. just before they went in for three years so it’s my degree, I’m so I was actually a to the ceremony at the quite nice to actually happy. I’m going volunteer at the be here, together on to study law, Royal Albert Hall, and stadium, so I was with everyone which is a signifi- really close to asked them what their you’ve studied with. cant change after the action, and it personal highlights of Having seen a few mathematics, but was a just a great Commemoration 2012 were. I’m looking forward experience being Days it’s nice to be to it.” there and seeing part of it.” everyone cheering.” Ashish Karir, Mathematics Connie Ng, Mathematics Nathan Ferrol, Mathematics 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 1 November 2012 • issue 253

jon weaver obituaries Jon Weaver, Lecturer in Polymeric Biomaterials (Materials and Alexander Fleming, discoverer Bioengineering), died from cancer of penicillin. on 4 July at the age of 32. Professor During these 39 years, apart Molly Stevens (Materials and Bio- from her work in a busy depart- engineering), pays tribute to him, ment, Katy made a great contri- with inspiration from friends, col- bution to medical school life by leagues and students. conveying her love of art to its students and staff. “Jon was a brilliant scientist and an She served as secretary to the incredible person. He began work- inspirational leader who managed Medical School Arts Committee ing at Imperial in April 2010, based to get the best out of them. They from 1990 until her death and jointly between the Departments of nicknamed him The WeaverTron was a member of the Hospital Materials and Bioengineering. His for his numerous creative ideas. Arts Committee, which aimed to potential was rapidly recognised His enthusiasm about science was bring about an enhancement of and he received a prestigious five- completely infective; he could talk the environment within the school year Royal Society Fel- for hours about it and Kathleen Goff by adorning its previously bare lowship. He is probably “Jon was was completely generous Kathleen Goff, a former secretary corridors, staircases and function the only academic in his- a brilliant in his scientific advice at St Mary’s Campus, died on 30 rooms with a variety of paintings tory to have been offered scientist and and ideas. Time spent July 2012. Nigel Palmer, formerly and other works of art. the fellowship despite an incredible with him would often Librarian at St Mary’s, pays tribute Katy’s unique achievement, turning up in jeans – a person” be time spent laughing. to his colleague: however, was to organise single testament to how true to Jon’s love of science was handedly around 200 lunch time himself he was! In 2011 such an important part of “Katy spent virtually all her art lectures from the early 1980s Jon’s scientific achievements were him, he worked hard at it but at the working life at St Mary’s Hospital to 2012. recognised by the UK polymer sci- same time, it gave him immense Medical School (now St Mary’s Although she retired in 1992, ence community, and he received joy and satisfaction, and his impact Campus) from 1953–92, as Katy remained a familiar face the Macro Group Young Investiga- on the science community was secretary to four successive heads on the arts scene at St Mary’s. tor’s medal. Jon was an outstand- enormous. We will all miss him of the Bacteriology Department, She was a regular worshipper at ing teacher and supervisor. He greatly. He is survived by his wife, Professors Robert Cruickshank, Westminster Abbey and had a always took time to explain to his Emma, his daughter, Lily, and his Robert Williams, Alan Glynn and circle of friends in Covent Garden, academic colleagues the basics of parents, Mark and Anne. Charles Easmon. Cruickshank was where she lived. She will be greatly the polymer world. For his students For the full obituary see: the immediate successor to Sir missed in all these places.” he was an attentive, caring and www.imperial.ac.uk/people/j.weaver

An interview with Rifat Atun

Last week Professor Rifat Why did you think health there are so many oppor- What have you learned Atun, Professor of Inter- policy needed to be tunities for achieving good about the approach to national Health Manage- improved? health and empowering global health over the ment and Head of the Health systems, and people. We now have new last 20 years? Healthcare Management especially hospitals, are technologies, innovative What’s important in global Group ( Business School), typically rewarded for medicines and new diag- health is not what one launched a book he edited, treating sick people but nostics, but often these are individual can do, but Closing the Cancer Divide: there is very little reward not taken up appropriately. instead it is about work- An Equity Imperative at the for maintaining good ing as a team. It takes London School of Hygiene When did you first health. This is where there What drew you to actors from different inter- and Tropical Medicine. become interested in is a real anomaly. Policies work on the book national institutions, as Reporter spoke to Rifat global health and why? support sickness systems about cancer? well as country leaders, to about what gets him up in When I was at medical as opposed to health sys- I was looking at cancer come up with solutions to the morning and why he school, I saw that there tems, yet we call our sys- policies between 2005 and complex problems. wanted to tackle inequities was an opportunity to tem in the UK the National 2007, focusing on how they —Cher Thornhill, Communications in polices to address provide, not just good clini- Health System. differed betweencountries. and Development cancer. cal care but also good pol- I noticed a deficiency in To purchase a copy of the book icy to improve healthcare What motivates you in policy to address cancer, visit: http://bit.ly/rifatatun services across the world. your role? with limited targets, even in I always get up early to European countries, except leave for work because for England and France. Mr Ajaya Dhungana, Catering Dr JaideepDhariwal, NHLI Mr Kieran Dee,Medicine Sciences Miss Giovanna DePalo, Life Physics Mr Joao DeJesus Reis Lagarto, Mrs Shikta Das, Public Health Dainty, Physics Emeritus Professor John Health Mr Thomas Cowling, Public Mathematics Professor Rama Cont, Grantham Institute Mr Jonathan Colmer, Sciences Dr Philip Coan, Clinical Environmental Engineering Ms Lucy Chivers, Civil and Mr Shiyang Cheng, Computing Surgery and Cancer Mr Muzzafer Chaudery, Mr Robert Chapman, Materials Health Mrs Tessa Chambers, Public Dr Megha Chadha, Physics Mathematics Professor Jeff Cash, Mr Lucas Carstens, Computing Mathematics Candy,Mr Timothy and Cancer Mr Benjamin Byrne, Surgery Mr Guy Burdiak, Physics Mr James Buckley, NHLI Dr Peter Buchak, Mathematics Sciences Bubeck,Dr Doryen Life Mr Michael Breza, Computing Humanities Dr Michael Bresalier, and Cancer Mr Georgios Bouras, Surgery Health Ms Areti Boulieri, Public Mr James Booth,Computing Mr Scott Biagi, Humanities Sciences Dr Parvin Begum, Clinical Dr IanBastow, ESE Public Health Dr Elena Barquero Bardon, Dr Ryan Barnett, Mathematics NHLI Miss SashaAshbourne-Lewis, Dr Hena Arif, Medicine Computing Mr Epameinondas Antonakos, Dr Toby Andrew, Public Health Mathematics Dr VasilikiAnagnostopoulou, Dr Mark Almond,NHLI Miss Amanda Allotey, ESE Sciences Miss Charlotte Allen, Life new starters W www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter elcome

reporter

1 November 2012• Computing Mr Dimitrios Kouzapas, and Cancer Dr Margarita Kotti, Surgery Mr Ioannis Konstantelos, EEE Professional Development Dr Alexandra Kleinlercher, Ms Eleanor Kirk,Humanities Medicine Mrs Farida Keshavjee, Mr Ariel Kernberg, Humanities NHLI Ms TeresaKennedy-Lydon, Dr Aidan Keane, Life Sciences Bioengineering Munasinghe Arachchige, Mr Angelo Karunaratne Dr Andreas Kafizas, Chemistry Ms NarvadaJugnee,Medicine Mathematics Mr Remi Joubaud, Mr Andrew Jones, Computing Cancer Dr Emrys Jones, Surgery and Dr IainJohnston, Mathematics Mr Ivans Jermolovs, Catering Engineering Miss Misha Imtiaz, Chemical Educational Quality Professor Debra Humphris, Surgery and Cancer Mr Archie Hughes-Hallett, Mathematics Dr Yanghong Huang, Engineering Civil and Environmental Dr Mohammad Hoque, Dr Joseph Henson,Physics Environmental Policy Mr Matthew Hannon, Clinical Sciences Mr Mohammed Hankir, Dr Fozia Public Hamid, Health Mr Andras Hajdu, Climate KIC Engineering Mr Ioan Hadade, Mechanical Chemical Engineering Dr Matthew Habgood, Mr Florian Guitton, Computing Engineering Mr Gabor Gubicza, Mechanical Mr Tim Grove, NHLI Dr Mindy Gore, Medicine Computing Mr Christos Georgakis, NHLI Mr EnriqueGallego Colon, Humanities Ms MartaGabrych, Cancer Nembhard, Surgeryand Miss Larissa Franklin- Mr Samuel Foster, Physics Dr Nicola Fitz-Simon, Medicine Mr Jason Filos, EEE Marrades, Medicine Professor Jorge Ferrer Mr Rhys Farrer, Public Health Mathematics Dr Jacob Eldering, Materials Mr Jonathan Downing, issue 253

Papadaskalopoulos, EEE Mr Dimitrios Dr Niamh O’Sullivan, Medicine Resources Mr Vincent Okonji, Human Miss Joanna Finance Norton, Nayagam, Medicine Amanda ShevanthiMr Miss Saira Naeem, Chemistry Mr Neil Murphy, Public Health Miss JoMonger, Life Sciences Mr Ryan Mitchell, Medicine Dr Sinan Mir, Public Health Health Miss Harriet Mills, Public Environmental Engineering Mrs Ana Mijic, Civil and Clinical Sciences Dr Irene Miguel-Aliaga, Computing Mr Jakub Michaliszyn, Business School Dr Miguel Meuleman, Health Dr Melissa Public Merritt, of Medicine Mr Alasdair McCartney, Faculty Environmental Policy Mr Rory McCarthy, Health Ms Louise McGrath, Public NHLI Mr Francesco Mazzarotto, Dr Damia Mawad, Materials Engineering Dr Andreas Mautner, Chemical Ms MegMashbat, Medicine Mathematics Dr StephanMartin, Mathematics Dr Jonathan Marshall, Mr Jared Marklew, Chemistry Chemical Engineering Miss Patrizia Marchetti, Surgery and Cancer Miss SreelakshmiMallappa, Chemical Engineering Dr Alexandr Malijevsky, Resources Mr Calum MacLeod, Human Dr Kevin Lovelock, Chemistry Chemistry Dr Ismael Lopez Duarte, Catering Mr Nuno Loisas Tome, Sciences Miss Juliane Liepe,Life Ms Li,Humanities Jingjing of Medicine Miss Justine Lesforis, Faculty Dr Anders Lervik, Chemistry Cancer Ms Lydia Leon, Surgery and Miss Clare Leeson, Medicine Cancer Dr Jessica Le Ven, Surgery and Dr Helga Laszlo, Public Health Health Mr Adam Kucharski, Public Mathematics Dr Dmitry Kovrizhin, Medicine MissAnna Simmonds, Health Miss Jennifer Simeon, Public Life SciencesAaron Sim, Dr DanielLife Silk,SciencesMr Medicine Mr Piotr Siciak, Faculty of Sciences WenzheMr Clinical Shi, Bioengineering Joseph Sherwood, Mr Mathematics Benjamin Sharp,Dr Medicine MissHannah Shailes, Miss Nisha Shah, Medicine Dr Anand Shah, Medicine Mr James Semple, Physics Catering Mr Vikram Selvarajan, Mr Andreas Schuh, Computing Sciences Ms Sophia Rusnakova, Life Humanities Mrs Monika Rusinska, Medicine Dr David Rueda Armada, Engineering Miss Kate Royle, Chemical Maldonado, Chemistry Dr Carmen Rodriguez Medicine Miss Nathalie Reichmann, Engineering Dr Vasileios Raptis, Chemical Mr Gilbert Raphael, Finance Catering Mr JuanRamirez Beirutty, Dr Deepa Rajagopal, Medicine Miss Hayley Pye,Chemistry Development Mr Leslie Primo, Professional School Mr Jeffrey Pittaway, Business Mathematics Mr Duccio Piovani, Mr Manuel Pinuela, EEE Ms Fiachra Pilkington, EYEC Medicine Dr Ilse-Sanet Pienaar, Mr Chin Phuah,Materials Dr Gemma Petts, Medicine Mr Federico Pesci, Chemistry Health Miss Clare Pearson, Public Cancer Mr Neil Patel, Surgery and Cancer Dr VanashPatel, Surgeryand Mathematics Pasquetti,Dr Sara Dr Yasmin Pasha, Medicine Medicine Parzych, Katarzyna Miss Computing Dr Matthew Parkinson, Mr Karthick Parashar, EEE Chemical Engineering Mr VasileiosPapaioannou, Computing Mr Athanasios Papaioannou,

insidestory moving onand retirements. http://bit.ly/Reporterpdfs for staff See theonline supplement at 26 September–16 October 2012. and covers staff moving in from byHR issupplied data This Cancer Dr Julia Zollner, Surgery and Dr Xin-Fang Zhang,Materials Ms Fei Yu, Humanities Mr Ismail Yildiran, Catering Ms Weizhen Yang,Computing Miss Rachel Yan, NHLI Yacoub,Dr Sophie Medicine Dr Hui Xu, Mathematics Humanities Matthew Wraith,Dr Resources Mr Anthony Wilkinson, Human Mr James Wilgeroth, Physics Dr Zachary NHLI Whinnett, Miss Xiaoyao Wei,EEE Humanities MarkDr Weatherall, Mr Daming Wang, Materials Dr Xiuli Wang,Chemistry Dr Benoit Vicedo, Physics Faculty of Engineering MarianelaMs Vermeer, Dr Nikhil Vergis, Medicine Salamanca, Public Health MissBeatriz Valcarcel Professional Development Dr Amy Unsworth, Mrs Dilek Unsal, Humanities Professional Development Ms Maria Tomas Rodriguez, Miss Morgan Todd, NHLI Chemistry AlexanderMr Thompson, Business School LlewellynMr Thomas, Engineering Civil and Environmental MariosDr Theofanous, Mr Matthew Taylor, Physics Dr Lionel Tan, Medicine Catering DonatasMr Talmontas, Finance Summersgill,Martin Mr Miss Kylie Such, NHLI Engineering ChemicalDr Shufang Song, Sciences Mr ThomasLife Smith, Resources Mr Dan Smith, Human Cancer Mohan Singh,SurgeryMr and Health Mr Mahesh Singh, Public Dr Jennifer Simonotto, NHLI

moving in. moving on. for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 1 November 2012

take note

6 november ▸ Public Lecture conventional materials, they display remark- able effects not found in nature, such as nega- Metamaterials: new horizons tive refraction. In the 25th Schrödinger Lecture Teaching and in electromagnetism Professor Sir John Pendry (Physics) explains learning workshops the theory behind materials with a negative In the last decade a new area of research has refractive index that are used for applications The Educational Development Unit emerged as a result of our ability to produce including the invisibility cloak, in areas of (EDU) has launched a revised programme materials with entirely novel electromag- telecommunications, solar energy harvesting of 34 workshops for 2012–13. They netic properties. Known as metamaterials and medical diagnostics. include practical guides to teaching because they take us beyond the properties of and learning, opportunities to focus on developing essential skills for those with greater teaching experience, and work- 21 novemBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE reach certain groups, often the older generations. As we all live significantly longer the quality of shops for staff teaching undergraduate Designing a more resilient the latter stages of our lives can be poor and medical students. therefore the demands for health and social care society: the role of digital For more information visit: are set to increase without the budgets to pay www.imperial.ac.uk/edudev/workshops technologies for it. Join Mat Hunter of the Design Council for a Digital technology has transformed the way many discussion about the role of digital technologies of us live and work, but undeniably it has failed to in the provision of public services.

7 NOVEMBER ▸ meet the PUBLIC LECTURE 13 NOVEMBER ▸ MUSIC 21 NOVEMBER ▸ CONFERENCE reader Sleeping, Lunchtime concert Paediatric breathing and Miloš Milivojevic on accordion anaesthesia inspiration Annual Magill Professor Mary 13 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR Symposium Morrell (NHLI) Blast injury clinical research at Centre for Blast Injury Studies: the 22 NOVEMBER ▸ 7 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE story so far conference Better integration with telehealth Major James Singleton (Bioengineering) Antimicrobial management and and telecare. Really? quality improvement Chaired by Professor James Barlow 14 NOVEMBER ▸ Part of EU Antibiotics Awareness Day (Business School) PUBLIC LECTURE Space for 25 NOVEMBER ▸ MUSIC everyone 8 NOVEMBER ▸ MUSIC Barnardo’s benefit concert Sir Martin Sweeting, Andrew Czyzewski, Acting Editor Lunchtime concert Performance by the European Doctors Surrey Space Centre of Reporter from 12 November The Chamber Players Orchestra What are you doing in the picture? 8 NOVEMBER ▸ 14 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR 27 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE I am standing next to a turbine made by SEMINAR Rolls-Royce in the Mechanical Engineering Novel transcription factors involved Clearing the air: asbestos, cigarette Building foyer. I’ve been working at the Connecting in the decision to make haem or smoke and nanoparticles oldest engineering magazine in the world, DNA damage chlorophyll Professor Terry Tetley (NHLI) The Engineer, and have a long-standing to checkpoint Professor Carl Bauer, Indiana University interest in aeronautics and how precise initiation things need to be when they are up in the air. 28 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Professor Peter Burgers, Washington University 15 NOVEMBER ▸ MUSIC It’s not oil gone What would you do if you were editor of Reporter for a day? Lunchtime concert Professor Ann I recently came into contact with some 12 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR Muggeridge Andrew Lucas (organ) Imperial students who were making some (Earth Science and From me to we wings that emulated a flying squirrel to test Engineering) Bob Doppelt, Executive Director, the concept of a new sport described as a The Resource Innovation Group ‘futuristic quidditch’ I’d love to do a feature on this during my year as Acting Editor!

Who would be your cover star? I have a passion for photography, so I’d like the chance to take a front cover picture of a cool invention developed by Imperial researchers that has had a massive impact on our everyday life but which we take for granted – like the buttons on ATM pads. Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events Stay in the loop → Want to be the next reader featured in and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself with a email: [email protected] copy of Reporter in your location of choice to: [email protected]

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